(Columbia, SC) -- It looks like a convicted murderer got out of prison 16 years early after a South Carolina judge signed a secret order for his release.
Jeriod Price was sentenced to 35-years for fatally shooting a University of South Carolina football player in 2003.
Law enforcement officials told The State that Price only served 19 years before quietly being released last month.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said it "was a backroom deal" and no one in the law enforcement community was notified.
A spokesperson at the New Mexico state prison where Price served time said the correction's department can't release or discuss the judge's order.